Jayalalithaa's doctor reveals her health details

He alleged that the steroid drugs given to her over a period of time were very dangerous and she was able to be off steroids after she began his treatment in August and her health had improved.

A day after O Pannerselvam said a judicial enquiry would be launched into the death of J Jayalalithaa, her doctor and acupuncture specialist MN Shankar threw light on her medical condition.

He told India Todaythat she was suffering from multiple medical issues, but improved ‘dramatically’ after he treated her.

He said, “Had Jayalalithaa been under my care, she would have been alive.” Shankar said she was supporting him by reducing her steroid intake.

In the interview, Shankar said he learned that Jayalalithaa had been admitted in Apollo Hospital after returning from a trip abroad, but wasn’t called to the hospital. He said that despite several calls, nobody answered.

He, however, clarified that he didn’t know whether there were deliberate efforts to keep him away.

On being asked why he came out with his allegations at a time when Tamil Nadu is embroiled in a political war, Shankar said he was not siding with anyone, neither Panneerselvam nor Sasikala, and that he only wanted the betterment of Tamil Nadu.

He also demanded that there should an inquiry as to why he was not allowed inside the Apollo Hospital. He alleged that the steroid drugs given to her over a period of time were very dangerous and she was able to be off steroids after she began his treatment in August and her health had improved. However, after Independence Day, his treatment was discontinued abruptly.

He said she had lot of problems such as thyroid, blood pressure, sugar as she used to take ice cream and chocolates. She had vertigo also because of which she could not go outside.